Microblogging

A microblogging application such as Twitter is one that enables users to post brief messages, or tweets, of up to 140 characters which let their network of friends know what they're doing.  Tweets can be posted via the Twitter website, SMS, email, IM or third-party Twitter client.

• Online text communication tools
• Updates answer the question "What are you doing?"

Twitter

• Launched in 2006
• Over 1 million users

Features

• Update text box 
• Network of followers
• Network of people you follow
• Total updates
• Direct messaging
• Recent
• Replies
• Archive
• Everyone's updates
• Public/Private

How are Libraries using Microblogging?

• To announce library events and happenings.
• To promote library workshops and services.
• To keep website visitors apprised of news and updates.
• To keep website visitors in-the-know about interesting facts and news items.
• To promote their library blog.
• To share library photos from other websites.
• To announce the titles and authors of new books acquired by the library.
• To share virtual reference questions.
• To share news with other children's librarians.

How are Librarians using Microblogging?

• To communicate and network with others in the field.
• To get advice from others in the field.

Great tools for

• Event announcements
• News updates
• Making Web resource recommendations
• Promotion
• Teaching
• Short book reviews

Hands-on

Exercise:

• Go to Twitter

• Sign up for an account
• Post an update (tweet)